Rang De Review: Watchable rom-com with predictable narration

What’s it about?

Arjun (Nithin) and Anu (Keerthy Suresh) are childhood buddies. They also live as neighbors. Their story begins when they are in the final year of Engineering studies. Anu admires and loves Arjun, but he doesn’t have such feelings for her. Reminds you ‘Nuvve Kaavali’, right? Well, this story goes beyond that. Due to some circumstances, Arjun and Anu get married. 

They get admission to a college in Dubai. While studying there and living as a couple together, Arjun confesses to Anu that he’s seeking a divorce from her. Complicating their matters further, Anu becomes pregnant.

Analysis

Director Venky Atluri’s third outing, Rang De, has a simple plot, a story that has been told many times. The conflict of the story is too familiar as well. What Venky does is – repackaging the regular moments with entertainment, and adding an emotional ending.

Be in it his first film, Tholi Prema, or the second outing, Mr.Majnu, Venky Atluri rather focuses on the journey of two lovers, their ego clashes, their union. In ‘Rang De’, he has shown the protagonists as childhood buddies and shifts drama to their college life and their marital life. The interval bang (twist) is the best part of “Rang De”. The pre-interval sequences are fun to watch and also quite engaging. The rest of the drama, as said above, is regular, and predictable. 

Despite their unplanned pregnancy, she is overjoyed with it, but he doesn’t want a child from her. His father asks him to respect her emotions. The entire second half hinges on the protagonist realizing his true emotions and understanding her love. The second half is where the director has faltered much.

Coming to the performances, Keerthy Suresh shines again. She gets a meaty character, and she gives her best. Nithin is convincing as a 24-year-old youngster and he does a good job as well. Their chemistry is palpable. Vennela Kishore is okay. 

Devi Sri Prasad’s music works in parts. ‘Rangule Rangule’ and “Nee Kanulu Yeppudu” are striking. The film has crispy runtime but still feels longer due to its wafer-thin plot. Legendary cinematographer PC Sreeram is the lensman of this film and his stamp is visible.

Bottom-line: ‘Rang De’ is a romantic drama with some fun-moments, many predictable situations. 

By: Jalapathy Gudelli

Rating: 2.75/5

Film: Rang De
Cast: Nithin, Keerthy Suresh, Naresh, Vennela Kishore, Suhas, Abhinav
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: PC Sreeram
Editor: Naveen Nooli
Producer: Naga Vamsi
Written & Direction: Venky Atluri
Release Date: March 26, 2021